7 Resume Editing Tips To Improve Your Next Job Application

Let's dive into a topic that's critical for all job seekers: resume editing. 

Yes, you heard it right—editing, not writing. 

Why? Because crafting a professional resume doesn't stop at putting your qualifications and experiences on paper. That's just the start. The real magic happens in the editing process. It's through meticulous editing that your resume transforms into a compelling narrative that grabs the attention of hiring managers. 

In this blog post, you’ll learn seven essential resume editing tips that will help you avoid common mistakes and truly stand out in the crowded job market.

3 key takeaways

• Why you should ditch the “objective” section of your resume
• Which resume-writing mistakes turn off recruiters
• How Teal’s AI Resume Builder can help job seekers build and edit the perfect resume

Common resume mistakes to avoid

Before we delve into the heart of the resume editing process, let's shine a spotlight on some common resume blunders that can make hiring managers push your application aside. Avoiding these resume mistakes is the first step towards crafting an irresistible resume.

Including a career objective

Back in the day, it was common to begin a resume with a career objective. It might have sounded something like, "Seeking a challenging role to utilize my skills by..." 

But today, it's seen as outdated and space-consuming. Instead, recruiters prefer a resume headline or professional summary focusing on your skills and achievements, showing them what you bring to the table rather than what you hope to gain.

Lengthy and dense resumes

Now, let's talk about lengthy resumes. The quickest way to lose a hiring manager's attention is by presenting them with a text-heavy, multi-page document. Remember, recruiters often scan hundreds of resumes, so it's important to keep yours concise and to the point. Aim to keep your resume to one page when possible, and make sure every word counts.

Including irrelevant information

Your resume isn’t an autobiography, but a tailored document showcasing why you're the perfect fit for the specific role you're applying for. Including information that doesn't relate to the job at hand, such as hobbies or personal details, can distract the hiring manager from your pertinent skills and experiences.

Poor formatting and design

Finally, subpar formatting can be a real deal-breaker. Even with stellar qualifications, a resume that's cluttered and hard to read can land in the rejection pile. 

Clarity and simplicity reign supreme when it comes to your resume format. The best resumes use a clean, professional font, ensure ample white space for maximum readability, and structure your resume so your key selling points are easily noticeable.

7 resume editing tips to impress employers

With an understanding of what to avoid, let's transition to the proactive part: refining your resume into a document that helps you land a great new job!

1. Tailor for the job

‍

No two jobs are the same, and neither should your applications be. The more your resume speaks to the specific role and company you're applying for, the more you'll stand out. 

Research the company, understand the role requirements, and mirror the language used in the job description. Highlight the specific areas of your work experience, certifications, and relevant volunteer work that align closely with what the employer is seeking.

Want to see how your current resume stacks up against the job? Run a comparison to see which edits you can make to better position yourself.

‍

‍

2. Keep it concise

As mentioned earlier, recruiters are busy people. Therefore, your resume should be as concise as possible while still conveying your relevant accomplishments. 

A good resume makes every word count. Instead of listing every job you've ever had, focus on the most relevant ones. Use bullet points and strong action verbs to describe your work experience. A well-structured, succinct resume can make a powerful impression.

3. Highlight and quantify your achievements

One of the key aspects to focus on while editing your resume is showcasing your achievement examples—especially those that align with the job role you're seeking. It's not just about stating what duties you performed in your previous roles, but about emphasizing the results you delivered and the impact you had.

Did you boost sales by 20% or lead a team to successfully complete a critical project? Maybe you streamlined a process that led to a 10% reduction in operation time or costs? Ensure these accomplishments stand out on your resume. 

Quantifying these successes with specific numbers provides hiring managers with tangible evidence of your capabilities and the value you can bring to their organization.

Remember that relevance is key. Your achievements should directly reflect the skills and experiences the potential employer is looking for. Before you start writing, carefully read the job description to understand what the company values. Then, tailor your achievements to highlight those specific skills or experiences. 

This relevance not only makes your resume more appealing but also demonstrates your understanding of the role and its requirements, thereby significantly increasing your chances of landing an interview.

4. Use action verbs

Starting your bullet points with action verbs can create a powerful impact. They present you as a proactive individual who takes initiative. Here are some great action verbs to consider:

• Spearheaded
• Orchestrated
• Optimized
• Cultivated
• Transformed
• Championed
• Amplified
• Streamlined
• Accelerated

These verbs suggest that you're not just a participant, but a dynamic force in your previous roles.

5. Include a professional summary

The inclusion of a brief yet impactful professional summary at the top of your resume serves as a succinct snapshot about you as a professional and your career journey. It shines a spotlight on your key skills, experiences, and what you bring to the table, offering employers an immediate understanding of your professional value proposition.

When crafting your professional summary, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, start with a strong trait or skill that defines you professionally—this could be your expertise in a particular domain, leadership abilities, or problem-solving skills. 

Next, mention your professional experience in terms of years and industries, emphasizing roles where you've made a significant impact. Following this, highlight some specific achievements or skills that directly align with the job role you're applying to.

For example, if you're applying for a project management position, your professional summary could start something like this:

“Seasoned project manager with over 10 years of experience in the tech industry, known for successfully leading cross-functional teams and driving project completion 20% ahead of schedules. Skilled in Agile methodologies and problem-solving.”

‍

Or, to give another example, let's say you work in Marketing. Your summary could look like this:

With Teal, you can craft a tailored, impactful summary in a matter of seconds.

Sign up for a free account and try it yourself.

6. Ensure consistent and professional formatting

The visual appeal of your resume matters. Even if you have a great resume with all the experience and skills an employer is looking for, inconsistent fonts, mismatched bullet points, or cluttered information can turn off recruiters. 

Ensure you use a simple, clean layout with consistent formatting throughout. Bullet points should align, dates should be in chronological order, and fonts should be professional and easy to read.

7. Proofread for spelling and grammar errors

Nothing can tarnish a good first impression like spelling or grammatical mistakes. Such errors can suggest a lack of attention to detail. After you finish writing, proofread your resume thoroughly to check for typos. 

Don't just rely on spellcheck—read it aloud or have someone else review it. A flawless resume shows you care about your work and projects professionalism.

Where can I edit my resume for free?

In a world overflowing with online tools and services, finding a place to edit your resume for free isn't difficult. However, not all tools are created equal. You deserve a platform that lets you edit and empowers you to build a standout resume tailored to the job you're eyeing.

And that's exactly what Teal does. Teal's free AI Resume Builder feature is crafted specifically to help you create a high-quality resume that shines—no need to hire an expensive professional resume writer! 

This tool goes beyond simple editing. It offers industry-specific templates and formats to give you a head start. The interactive resume editing experience guides you in tailoring your resume content for each job application. 

With Teal, you're not just getting a basic editing tool—you're getting a comprehensive resume-crafting experience designed to impress recruiters and land you more interviews.

Take your resume to the next level with Teal

The importance of a well-crafted and refined resume in your job hunt cannot be overstated. By avoiding common mistakes and following these seven resume editing tips, you'll create a document that truly represents your skills, experiences, and suitability for the job.

Remember that resume editing is a continuous process and should be tailored for each job application. Teal is here to make that task easier and more effective. With Teal’s AI Resume Builder, you can create, edit, and tailor the perfect resume, increasing your chances of capturing the attention of potential employers.

Don't let a lackluster resume stand between you and your dream job. Get started with Teal today to start refining your resume.